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Monday, 19 May 2014

Sir Jack Brabham, a three-time Formula One world drivers' champion and an icon in the motorsport and engineering world has passed away, aged 88.

Brabham was truly inspirational, being the only person to build, design and engineer their own car and go on to win a world championship- something that had never be achieved, and will most likely never be done again.

He won the world titles in 1959, 1960 and 1966- paving the way for drivers such as Alan Jones, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, and proving that Australian drivers were a force to be reckoned with in top level motorsport.

Upon retirement in 1970, Brabham became the first motorsport identity to be knighted, receiving the honour in 1978.

In 2006, Brabham participated in the 2006 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay- mounting the Queens Baton to his F1 winning BT19 race car and completing a lap around the Albert Part circuit.

He will be remembered as icon in Australian sport, as well an example of what can be achieved with a little Aussie ingenuity, persistence and hard work.